Q&A

How do you charge your coworkers for services?

Nail techs are a generous bunch, but does that generosity extend to giving free services to salon colleagues? We asked techs: How do you charge your coworkers for services?

A.

We usually exchange services, but if I’ve already had, say, my hair done, then I just give them a discount — about $10 off the normal price. This way we don’t feel like we owe each other and I still make a little money to at least replace the product.

— Leah Carranko, Posh Salon & Spa, Madera, Calif.

We always trade out services. A pedicure is always good to trade with our massage therapist for an hour massage. Needless to say I am always reminding them they need to have their toes done once a month! My shoulders and back depend on it.

— Mindy King, Tara Day Spa, Rolla, Mo.

We charge 20% of the price of the service to cover product and the technician has to be willing to accept the booking first. Plus we tip the technician for the services. So, for example, if the service is a full set for $50, they pay $10. If it’s a $30 fill, they pay $6. But they still tip the technician 10%-20% of the full price. That way no one takes advantage of anyone else.

— Deena Blythe, Deena’s Nail Clinic, Quartzsite, Ariz.

We barter services. Times are tough so we all try to take care of each other and our families.

— Meechelle Wolford-Swicegood, Studio 101 Salon & Spa, Swanton, Ohio

I give a 25% discount for services.

— Keren Clark, Nails By Keren, The Villages, Fla.

We trade services, but we also know that our clients have priority. If a client wants to schedule then we get bumped. It sucks when your greys are showing and your skin needs exfoliation!

— Amy Cerioni, Aqua Essentials Day Spa & Salon, Madera, Calif.

We set a small base price for each service ($10 for color; $8 for nails, etc.) that is paid to the salon to cover product costs. Then we make sure we tip each other very well. This makes it fair to each employee since certain services are needed more often than others.

— Sonja Larkin, Reflectionz and Nail Studio, Ottumwa, Iowa

We trade services, and give a tip too, because it’s nice to show your appreciation.

— Michelle Fant, Polished Day Spa, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Working in a full service spa and salon, I want everyone to have their nails done by me and promote me to their clients. I try to sell everyone in my spa to my clients and appreciate the referrals from my fellow team members. Also, as our spa and salon is part of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, I try to work on team members across other departments (i.e., restaurants, concierge) who may be able to promote my work and the salon to resort guests. Those team members are given a nice discount on services with the understanding that if a full paying client needs an appointment at the time they are booked, they may be bumped to another time slot.

I don’t charge coworkers, but they have to keep their set on for a month and promote it.

— Esmeralda Uribe, Nina Nails & Spa, Humble, Texas

We swap services that are of equal dollar value. We’re all friends, so we enjoy taking care of each other.

— Becki McGaha, Urban Salon, Knoxville, Tenn.

I don’t normally charge coworkers. They either force me to ­accept a tip or pay for my lunch. And if they absolutely insist on paying something, then it’s just $5 for product coverage.

— Demetrice Shawn Gamble, Belle Melange Salon, Phoenix

I allow one free service per coworker so that she can brag about me to her clients, which is free advertisement. After that initial free service, I give a $5 discount to encourage her to take the time to use me again. For me, word of mouth has always been the best promotion.

— Alexandria Washington. Corey’s Hair Care Salon, Charlotte, N.C.

We have a great price plan for our girls. If they book time during client hours, it’s half price. If we work on one another after hours then it’s free. If we have no clients (which is rare) and there’s a spare moment then it’s also free. We all want to look great and show clients other services offered. There’s no better way than by wearing them.

— Monique Scott, Phoenix Hairstylists, Balhannah, Australia

We trade services. We advertise for each other. We are very much a family. If need be, we pay for product. No tipping. Just pay for what’s used.